The Blues add Division rival's center to two-year contract

Jan 18, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; St. Louis Blues goalie Jordan Binnington (50) blocks a shot by Utah Hockey Club center Nick Bjugstad (17) during second period at the Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images
Jan 18, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; St. Louis Blues goalie Jordan Binnington (50) blocks a shot by Utah Hockey Club center Nick Bjugstad (17) during second period at the Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images | Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images

In a search for help at center, the Blues might have found their possible candidate. With a two-year deal worth an AAV of $1.75 million, welcome to St. Louis, Nick Bjugstad.

With the uncertainty of Radek Faksa's return during this free agency period, Nick Bjugstad could be a replacement for him. It will be large shoes to fill, but the former Utah Hockey Club member could fill them.

Last season, Bjugstad had eight goals and 11 assists in 69 games. The 13-year veteran has the capability of hitting the low-to-mid 40-point range, so that is a serious upgrade for the Blues fourth line. With Granlund still in the rumor mill as the second-line center to be, Bjugstand will slide into the fourth-line center spot if Faksa leaves.